For students, extracurricular activities like football, marching band, and cheerleading can be incredible outlets and opportunities to learn and grow as individuals. This September, communities, and audiences can gather to celebrate Black excellence in sports and the arts through films, documentaries, and special events about the high school and college experience.
Celebrating Black Excellence in Sports and the Arts Through Film and TV
September is one of the most exciting times for a student. The month kicks off the academic year, welcoming freshmen and giving upperclassmen the chance to demonstrate their talent and experience in collegiate sports and the arts. There are a number of films and television shows that specifically highlight and recognize black excellence in these extracurriculars, ranging from fictional films to documentary series.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Remember the Titans (2002)
In Remember the Titans (2002), audiences can follow the inspiring journey of a recently appointed African-American coach and his high school team as they embark on their inaugural season, forging a powerful bond as a newly established integrated team.
Starring Denzel Washington, the movie is an iconic story of teamwork, friendship, and unification, and is based on a true story. The 1971 T.C. Williams High School football team were in fact, state champions, thanks to the leadership of their coach Herman Boone.
All or Nothing: The Michigan Wolverines (2018)
All or Nothing: The Michigan Wolverines (2018) is a documentary television series about the University of Michigan’s 2017 season. The show captures the experiences of real college football players and their coaches, showing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a winning team. The series also features the personal stories of some of the college players.
Friday Night Lights (2006)
This captivating drama unfolds within the lives of the Dillon Panthers, a renowned Texas high school football team that stands among the country’s elite. Under the guidance of their new head coach, Eric Taylor, the team undergoes an unexpected challenge when their star quarterback is gravely injured at the beginning of the football season.
In later seasons of the series, the story shifts as Eric Taylor is no longer the head coach of the Panthers, but instead, the Dillon Lions. The Lions are a team that has been underfunded and neglected, with predominantly Black players. Taylor has to work with a new team, many of who have never played football before, and foster support from the community.
Last Chance U (2016)
Last Chance U (2016), is a story about young players in training to possibly be drafted into the NFL. Taking place at East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), the series shows what it takes to become a football star. For football fans who aren’t familiar with the training process, the series is an opportunity to understand the tremendous sacrifice and effort these aspiring stars make to pursue their dreams.
National Battle of the Bands, Salute to HBCU Marching Bands (2023)
Honda Battle of the Bands is a major annual celebration in September. The event showcases talented marching bands from Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the United States. This year, audiences can experience the competition even sooner. On June 17th, the National Battle of the Bands, Salute to HBCU Marching Bands is set to release. The new documentary captures the excitement and spirit of the National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) event, featuring field and stand performances from eight HBCU marching bands that participated in the 2021 event in Houston, Texas.
The purpose of the documentary is to showcase the importance and impact of the National Battle of the Bands event, the participating bands, its members, and the HBCU community at large.
Drumline (2022)
Fans who want to get hyped up for the event can watch the classic 2002 film Drumline. The film was actor Nick Cannon’s breakout role and also starred Zoe Saldana and Orlando Jones. The movie follows a young drummer from Harlem, Devon Miles, as he joins the drum section at the fictional Atlanta A&T University. He is in for a culture shock when he goes from being the big man in school to being a “crab” or freshman in the school’s band. Inspired by North Carolina A&T, Drumline is a prime example of HBCU culture as a whole. From campus life to the Honda Battle of the Bands, this is a true story of personal growth as well as finding where you truly belong. Devon only finds himself as a person, but he finds his true sound.
Bring It On (2000)
The classic cheerleading film Bring It On (2000) sets up a rivalry between the Toros and the Clovers. It’s revealed early on in the movie that the previous captain from the Toros had been stealing routines and cheers from the Clovers for years.
Hailing from Compton, a vibrant community known for its energy and tenacity, the Clovers vow to make it to Nationals this year, making sure that the Toros can no longer rip off their routines. Led by their fierce and determined captain, played by Gabrielle Union, they navigate the challenges of underfunding and limited resources. Throughout the film, the team uses their creativity and unwavering determination to showcase their undeniable talent.
Bring It! (2014)
Bring It! (2014) follows the Jackson, Mississippi Dancing Dolls as they travel across the country to compete in the Majorette style of dance. Coach and Owner Dianna Williams, better known as Coach Dee, trains her girls to be the best versions of themselves no matter what. From the “Baby Dancing Dolls” to the “Dolls” who are picked for stand battles, the talent speaks for itself. The show follows Dianna, her dancers, and their parents as they compete from state to state, proving why “The Dollhouse ” produces some of the best majorette dancers around. Despite competing head to head with rivals, dancers are always told no matter what place they get, as long as they leave it all on the floor, they should be proud.
The majorette dance style has become a staple for HBCU bands and the culture as a whole. The dancers throw eight counts or “stands” that complement the beauty of the band’s music as well as put on show-stopping performances. Many of the Dancing Dolls have gone on to participate in the HBCU Battle of the Bands as a part of some of the most illustrious bands, like Southern University’s Golden Girls or ASU’s Stingettes.
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